Apparatus for treatment of snoring and sleep apnoea

ABSTRACT

A portable, battery powered apparatus ( 10 ) generates an electrical signal between electrodes ( 15   a,    15   b ) to be applied to the skin of a patient for reduction or prevention of snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea. The signal comprises electrical stimulation at a frequency of 1-100 Hz and the signal comprises a stimulation free period of at least 0.5 seconds every 20 seconds, avoiding muscle fatigue when used for long periods, e.g. overnight.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/540,522 filed Jun. 28, 2017, which is a U.S. National Entry ofPCT/EP2016/052503, filed Feb. 5, 2016 which claims the priority benefitof GB Patent Application 1501983.9, filed Feb. 6, 2015, which areincorporated by reference in their entireties.

INTRODUCTION

The present invention relates to the treatment or prevention of snoringand/or a related condition such as obstructive sleep apnoea, and toapparatus and methods therefor.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Snoring during sleep can be a nuisance to both the snorer and anyoneelse in the vicinity. For the snorer, it can result in lack of sleep andmay be a sign or warning of a more serious condition, especiallyobstructive sleep apnoea.

Known treatments for snoring revolve around clearing a blockage in thebreathing passage. Sufferers may be advised to lose weight, stop smokingor limit alcohol intake. Nasal sprays, nasal strips and nose clips, aswell as mandibular advancement devices, can be used to reduce snoring.

In more serious cases, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)machine is often used to control sleep apnoea and the snoring associatedwith it. Known such devices pump a controlled stream of air through aflexible hose to a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth.

Surgery is also available as a method of correcting snoring. Theseprocedures are quite invasive, however, and there are risks of adverseside effects.

Electrical devices to be worn on the body or at least attached to theneck or throat are also known. US 2008/0021506 describes a device withpads disposed above the laryngeal muscles of a patient. It generateselectronic impulses to provide continuous contraction of tongue muscles,with in particular 5-10 pulses per second, though few other details aregiven and the device appears not to have been tested.

Another device, described in US 2009/0216293, also stimulates thepatient with an electrical signal comprising positive and negativeelectric pulses at a frequency of about 2.7 kHz, with a variable outputsignal. Again, few details of actual signals used successfully aregiven, suggesting this device too has not been properly tested onhumans, if at all.

A known study investigated the effect of directly stimulating thehypoglossal nerve, to induce throat/tongue muscle tensioning and treatobstructive sleep apnoea, though using an implanted device (Strollo etal, N Engl J Med 2014; 370:139-149, Jan. 9, 2014).

Other treatment strategies include monitoring for snoring or sleepapnoea indicators, then providing stimulation triggered by thoseindicators. These require sophisticated monitoring, usually with thepatient attached by wires to a machine, and are less suitable for homeuse or cannot be provided in portable formats.

GB 2500641 describes a mains-powered stimulation device for use on thefeet and legs, not disclosed as useful for sleep disorders; it applies astimulation, e.g. to increase venous blood flow in the leg, with a restperiod to allow the leg muscle to recover.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,160,712 describes a device that applies stimulation tothe intercostal muscles. The stimulation is pulsed with a rest period of4 seconds every 59 seconds.

A further device, known from WO 97/49455, applies stimulation to treatsleep apnoea, with a continuous signal. WO 92/03983 describes a stillfurther device that appears to operate in response to a sleep apnoeaepisode and then apply pulsed stimulation to the sufferer. In bothcases, detection of the sleep apnoea episode is required and thus theapplication of the pattern of stimulation is not continuous throughoutthe night.

WO 2006/008741, WO 92/15364 and WO 2009/048580 describe related devicesand were found in prior art searching but are not believed of relevanceto the invention.

There exists thus a need for alternative or improved devices that willreduce or prevent snoring, and/or reduce or prevent more serious,related conditions such as sleep apnoea. These devices should preferablybe suitable to be worn by a patient for long periods, e.g. overnight, sothat effective and relaxing sleep can be enjoyed. These devices arepreferably lightweight and portable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention provides an apparatus for reducing orpreventing snoring or sleep apnoea, i.e. for treatment of theseconditions. Embodiments of the apparatus are small, lightweight andportable, and can be battery powered, providing devices that can be worncomfortably by a patient for hours, e.g. overnight, for the wholeduration of normal sleep.

An apparatus of the invention generally comprises

-   -   a pair of electrodes, and    -   a power supply that generates an electrical signal between the        electrodes, wherein the signal has a frequency of 1-100 Hz and        is discontinuous so as to provide for continuous treatment        without muscle fatigue.

An advantage of the invention is that the signal is discontinuous. Ithas been found that this facilitates provision of effective treatmentwithout fatigue, e.g. of the patient's tongue muscle or muscles suchthat the treatment fails to be effective, hence without fatigue e.g. ofthe patient's response to the treatment such that its usefulnessdiminishes over the time period of normal sleep. Recovery ofphysiological processes during the discontinuous phase, when there is nosignal (even though the absence of signal is relatively brief) means thetreatment works over a long time period, essentially continuously in thecontext of normal sleep. Previous devices failed in this respect andresearch was theoretical and did not provide devices or treatments thatwould remain effective overnight.

A further advantage is that the signal is mild enough not tosignificantly disturb or prevent sleep but strong enough to elicit acontraction of the tongue muscle (genioglossus) that reduces snoring orsleep apnoea.

It is preferred that the apparatus provides said continuous treatmentover a period of 3 hours or more, 4 hours or more, 5 hours or more, 7hours or more, or longer still. The treatment is thus preferablycontinuous in the context of the period of time, many hours, of normalsleep as the apparatus periodically delivers a signal while it is turnedon. The apparatus does not monitor or detect snoring or sleep apnoea; itgenerates the signal continuously, with the discontinuous phase (alsodescribed as a stimulation free period) as described, until turned off.

The signal may comprise a stimulation free period of at least 0.5seconds, preferably at least 1 second, every 20 seconds or a stimulationfree period of at least 0.5 seconds, optionally at least 1 second, every10 seconds. The ratio of the stimulation free period to the period whena signal is delivered is referred to as duty cycle, hence a duty cycleof 50%, used in some tested embodiments of the invention, indicatesequal periods with and without signal. Within a time period of up to 30seconds, preferably up to 20 seconds, a duty cycle is suitably 5-95%,more suitably 10-90% or 20-80%. In apparatus tested to date, goodtreatment has been obtained with an approximate 50% duty cycle over 10seconds. The signal is hence discontinuous in the context of 20 or 30seconds or so, in which time the signal is off for a minimum period andon for a minimum period.

Variation in signal frequency affects muscle contraction force. We havefound that a suitable frequency, to achieve appropriate contraction,enough to treat snoring or apnoea in a sleeping patient, falls within abroad range as indicated above, and is more suitably 5-60 Hz or 10-50Hz. In equipment made and tested, a frequency range of 20-40 Hz wasincluded and this was found effective across the range. In specificembodiments the frequency is 30+/−2 Hz. Different combinations of signalparameters tend to suit different patients according to age and weightand facial hair, and other factors, so a device set up to operate over arange of parameters, capable of delivering signals with a range ofstrengths, will accommodate most patients and possibly everyone.

The signal current can be varied as well (usually achieved by variationin voltage across the electrodes), especially for different patients andoptionally in conjunction with variation in signal frequency. Current inthe range up to 40 mA, especially up to 30 mA, has been usedsuccessfully and in general most patients can be accommodated with acurrent in the range of, or varying from, 1 to 20 mA. Both theseparameters can be varied independently; as one specific example acurrent of about 10 mA with signal frequency of about 30 Hz worked wellin a patient. Typically, the apparatus uses a lower current for a higherfrequency signal, and so at about 90-100 Hz a reduced current may beused, such as around 2-5 mA, for that patient.

Signal pulse width can also vary and be varied according to differentpatients and treatments. A pulse of duration up to 1 ms (milliseconds)is generally used. The duration, or width, can be less than this, andsuitably is from 50-800 μs (microseconds) or from 100-600 microseconds,or less than 500 microseconds, suitably 450 microseconds or less. Anapparatus of the invention has the pulse width set at about 250microseconds, another is set at about 300 microseconds +/−50, with otherparameters variable. Other apparatus can have an option for the patientto vary the pulse width.

In a specific embodiment, combining optional and preferred parameters asdescribed herein, an apparatus generates a signal with pulse widthapproximately 250 microseconds, frequency 20-40 Hz, current 1-20 mA andduty cycle 50% over a 10 second period. Variation of these parameters inother embodiments of the invention is envisaged to accommodate variationof treatment modalities and patient physiologies.

To deliver the signal, one or more electrodes are used. Apparatus of theinvention hence generally comprises two electrodes. These can beattached to the skin of the patient, on the face and/or neck, such as oneither side of the jaw or neck, spaced apart. A separation of, say, 1 cmor more, or 3 cm or more, or 5 cm or more is generally used. Electrodesare conveniently attached so as to stay in place while the patient issleeping while allowing the patient to move as normal in sleep. Adhesivesurfaces on the electrodes are provided by conventional means,supplemented e.g. by use of gel, e.g. commercially available hydrogel,or more simply adhesive tape can be placed over the electrodes.Electrodes can be separated, at respective locations on the apparatus.Electrodes can be provided on a single electrode patch or zone of theapparatus, e.g. a combined electrode patch.

Electrodes can be connected to the power supply, e.g. external battery,by wires. In another embodiment a single unit comprises power supply andelectrodes, for example a solid body may hold the power supply and havearms with electrodes mounted thereon or incorporated therein. In aspecific embodiment, described in more detail below, an approximately Vshaped body houses a battery pack to provide the power with electrodeslocated towards each end of the arms of the V. Adhesive surfaces on theelectrodes then allow for easy attachment to the patient.

A further optional feature of the invention is to include within theapparatus the facility for modification of the signal, e.g. by thepatient such as according to his or her appreciation of the signalsuitable for treatment.

An apparatus of the invention accordingly may comprise one or morecontrols for adjustment of one or more signal parameters by the patient,for example the signal frequency, the signal current (by variation ofapplied voltage), the signal pulse width, the duration of thestimulation free period, or two or more or all such parameters.

The signal frequency is optionally adjustable, for example it can beadjusted by the patient between a choice of two or more or three or morefrequencies, within any range disclosed herein. One specific embodimenthas options of about 20 Hz, about 30 Hz and about 40 Hz. Another optionis for the frequency to be variable continuously between upper and lowerlimits, say from about 20-40 Hz or from about 25-35 Hz.

The signal current is optionally adjustable, for example the signal canbe adjusted by the patient between two or more or three or more currentsettings, again within any range disclosed herein. One specificembodiment allows adjustment of voltage across the electrodes to choosebetween a current achieved of about 5 mA, about 10 mA and about 15 mA,another allows choice between about 3 mA, about 6 mA and about 9 mA. Afurther embodiment allows choice between a current achieved of about 1.5mA, about 3 mA, about 4.5 mA, about 6 mA, about 10 mA and about 15 mA.Another option is for the current to be variable continuously betweenupper and lower limits.

Referring to the specific embodiment described in more detail in theexample, it is preferred that a patient can attach a relatively smalland light, hence portable device for use overnight at home, without theneed for a snoring or apnoea event monitor. Preferred embodiments of theinvention are portable and can be worn on the patient; they do notinclude a monitor for snoring or sleep apnoea events as they deliver acontinuous treatment during sleep. Preferred embodiments are lightweightand not cumbersome to wear. Specifically, they may weigh in total,including internal battery (if fitted) or external (meaning removable)battery, 150 g or less, preferably 100 g or less, more preferably 50 gor less. Specific embodiments made to date weight 30 g or less, andworking examples have been made weighing approximately 20-25 g.Batteries are preferably rechargeable and an example has been made witha battery rechargeable wirelessly—between uses it is placed on aninductive charging module.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, and as described with morespecific features in the example, there is provided a portable, batterypowered apparatus that generates an electrical signal between electrodesto be applied to the skin of a patient for reduction or prevention ofsnoring or sleep apnoea, wherein the signal comprises electricalstimulation at a frequency of 1-100 Hz; and the signal comprises astimulation free period of at least 0.5 seconds every 20 seconds.

Optional and preferred aspects of the apparatus and signal are asdescribed more generally above in relation to the invention and morespecifically below with reference to the specific example. The signalthus preferably may have a frequency of 5-60 Hz, separately may comprisea stimulation free period of at least 1 second every 10 seconds and maybe capable of generating the signal for a period of 4 hours or longer,especially overnight. Advantages of the apparatus that apply inparticular to portable versions include its cost effectiveness inproviding satisfactory therapy and the lack of adverse treatment-relatedeffects (especially compared to direct muscle/nerve stimulation) of thenon-invasive approach. There can be minor skin irritation from wearingthe pads but this can be reduced using creams or other treatments and byadjusting the precise pad positions on different nights. In testing ofspecific embodiments patients have found the apparatus easy to wear anduse and have been able to adjust its settings to provide adequatetherapeutic effect without disturbance to normal sleep patterns.

A still further feature of embodiments of the invention is that thepower supply delivers a signal that ramps up from a low level, oftenzero, to the end strength signal over a period of time; this allows theuser to fall asleep before the signal has reached full strength. Inapparatus of such embodiments the signal delivered by the power supplycomprises two phases, a first phase during which its strength graduallyincreases and a second, later phase during which the signal remainsessentially the same strength. That second, treatment phase may continuefor the remainder of the duration of treatment. The ramping phasedelivers a reduced (though increasing) signal, making it easier to fallasleep without disturbance from the full strength signal.

The duration of the first phase may vary; it is suitably from about 5 toabout 30 minutes. During this ramping phase, the signal may increase instrength by increase in the signal current or pulse width, or both. Aprototype described below has a ramp of signal current over about 20minutes.

Further provided by the invention is a method of treatment of snoring orsleep apnoea, comprising delivering via the skin of a patient a signalthat stimulates the patient's tongue muscle, wherein the signal has afrequency of 1-100 Hz and is discontinuous so as to provide forcontinuous treatment without muscle fatigue.

The signal used in these methods is suitably as described elsewhereherein for, and suitably delivered using, the apparatus of theinvention.

Hence, the method suitably comprises treatment using a signal that isdiscontinuous so as to provide the treatment without fatigue of thepatient's tongue muscle being experienced such that the treatment failsto be effective.

The signal of the treatment may be delivered, in other words the methodmay be continued, over a period of 3 hours or more, 4 hours or more, 5hours or more, or for longer.

The method may use a signal that is discontinuous in that it comprises astimulation free period of at least 0.5 seconds every 20 seconds.Optionally, the signal used has a frequency of 5-60 Hz. Optionally, thesignal used has a current of up to 40 mA.

Other optional and preferred features of the device and the signal ofthe invention are optionally and preferably used in carrying out methodsof the invention.

The invention is now described in specific embodiments in the followingexamples and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the power supply andelectronics to generate the stimulation signal of the apparatus of theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view from underneath of an apparatus of theinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view from above of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view from below and to the side of the housingof the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view from below and to the side of theapparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view from below of the housing; and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view from above of the housing, illustratinghousing elements that in the assembled device are directly connected tothe body.

Referring to FIG. 1, apparatus of the invention incorporates circuitryas schematically set out, designed to generate the stimulation signaldescribed in the embodiments set out in detail below.

The battery charge controller is incorporated into a recharging cradleand can be plugged into the mains and receives the housing of theanti-snoring device to recharge its inbuilt rechargeable battery.

The unit incorporates a microcontroller that takes input from theswitches allowing the user to change the settings mentioned earlier. Themicrocontroller generates the signals using the signal generator andcontrols other components. Memory provides the ability to store data forsubsequent transfer to an external device for data analysis.

The filter circuit and the charge pump generate required waveforms whichare then passed through a driver to control the power. The unit also hasa protection circuit that monitors the output for enhanced safety.

Referring to FIGS. 2-7, the anti-snoring device shown generally as 10has a V-shaped body 12 attached in its assembled form to housing 14 thatholds the rechargeable battery and the printed circuit boardincorporating the signal control circuitry illustrated schematically inFIG. 1.

On the body 12, electrodes 15 a,b are located respectively on the twoarms of the V, connected via connecting conductors (internal to thebody, hence not shown) to body contact pads on the lower surface of thebody (hence obscured by the housing in the figures). These padscorrespond with and make contact within the assembled device to housingcontact pads 18 a,b on the housing 14. Hence, signal output from thehousing driven by the circuitry and the battery is transmitted fromcontact pads 18 a,b on the housing via contact pads on the body and theinternal conductors in the body to the electrodes 15 a,b for delivery tothe patient.

Miscellaneous contact pads 19 a,b,c,d on the housing 14 are forconnection to the battery recharging cradle (via pads 19 a,d) and foroptional connection to an external computer interface for interrogationof data stored on the housing memory unit (via pads 19 b,c). Othercharging options, such as inductive charging can also be used.

On the top surface of housing 14 are control buttons 20, 21. An on/offbutton 20 enables the patient to turn the device on and then off. Thebutton further has in prototype A (see below) three positions forselection of different signal frequencies. In prototype B (again seebelow) there is no selection of signal frequency by the patient and thisbutton has just an on/off function. Second control button 21 is providedon the right hand side as shown in FIG. 6 and has positions for controlof current, with three positions available to the user in prototype Aand seven in prototype B (see details below).

In use, a patient removes the detachable unit 22 from the charging unitcradle (not shown) and inserts it into the housing 14. Note that whilesome figures show separated components of the device, in use the deviceis a single unit as shown in fully assembled form in FIG. 5. For storagebetween uses the contact surfaces of electrode pads 15 a,b are coveredwith removable, adhesive covers. The patient removes these by peelingthem off, exposing tacky contact areas on the electrode pads. Theconnection between these pads and the patient can be maintained inday-to-day use by application of additional contact gel or by exchangeof the adhesive covers.

The device is attached to respective left and right-hand sides of theunderneath of the jaw and secured in place, optionally using adhesivetape or hydrogel adhesive if needed, with the pads sticking to andmaking electrical contact with either side of the jaw or just below.

The patient then turns on the device to a setting established fromprevious use. When being used for the first time, the patient turns onthe device and then titrates its stimulation signal output to onesuitable to that particular patient. In practice, the patient increasesor decreases the signal current and increases or decreases the signalfrequency (if control is available) to the point at which thestimulation is bearable and not so great as to prevent the patientfalling asleep. One approach is to increase the current and/or frequencyto the point at which the signal is not bearable by the patient and thenturn it down to the point at which it is just bearable and will notprevent the patient falling asleep. Another approach is to turn the uservariable elements to their minimum settings and then increase them oneby one to the point at which the stimulation signal is just noticeable.For different patients, differing approaches to identifying a signalthat is effective overnight and does not prevent restful sleep aretaken. Once the apparatus is turned on and a particular setting chosen,the signal parameters are thus set. Over a period of approximately 20minutes the voltage across the electrodes (giving the signal current)ramps up, i.e. gradually increases, from zero to the end voltage value.This allows for the patient to fall asleep before the signal has reachedfull strength, the level at which it will remain throughout sleep.

Between uses, the detachable unit is removed and can be recharged in thecradle. Simple assessment of the success of the device can be determinedby whether the patient sleeps restfully without snoring. Morecomplicated analysis can be carried out by downloading stored usage datafrom the housing via interface pads 19 b,c and analysis e.g. bymedically trained personnel.

The device settings for two developed prototypes are set out below. Aswill be appreciated, other devices are envisaged with alternative signaland device parameters and with alternative options for the user variableelements, as described more generally in the description above.

Specific details of 2 prototype devices that have been developed, withsignal parameters and other internal features are as follows:

Model Prototype A Prototype B Duty cycle 50% 30% Time period for dutycycle 10 s 20 s Pulse width 250 μs 300 μs Current limit to the 1-20 mA1-20 mA electrode pads Signal frequency 20-40 Hz 30 Hz Signal waveformsinusoidal square wave Internal memory RAM for internal log of usagedata Maximum voltage at the pads 80 v (+40/−40) 80 v (+40/−40) On/Offbutton On housing Power supply Internal rechargeable battery Uservariable elements Signal frequency Current variable variable in 3 steps:in 7 steps: 2 mA, 20 Hz, 30 Hz, 40 Hz; 4 mA, 6 mA, current variable in 38 mA, 10 mA, steps: 3 mA, 6 mA, 12 mA, 14 mA 9 mA

A separate battery charge unit is provided for connection to mainssupply while not in use. Full charging takes 3-6 hours following typicalovernight use.

Test of Anti-Snoring Device

A further prototype device of the invention was used in overnight trialsto compare its effect on stimulated vs. control, non-stimulatedpatients.

The prototype was set up to deliver a pulse width of approximately 250microseconds with a voltage adapted to deliver a signal current of about4-8 mA, with frequency 30+/−2 Hz and duty cycle of 50%, with asubstantially sinusoidal signal. A single prototype device was used forall patients.

Comparison between stimulated and non-stimulated patients indicated nosevere adverse events in any patients as a result of use of theprototype.

Anti-Snoring Device with 6 Pre-Set Signals

A further prototype device of the invention was constructed with buttonsallowing the user to turn the device on/off, by pressing a combinationof both button 1 and button 2, and to cycle through 6 pre-set signals,by pressing button 1 to cycle up the settings and button 2 to cycle downthe settings.

The signals were as follows:

Setting Setting Setting Setting Setting Setting Parameter 1 2 3 4 5 6Target current 1.5 mA 3 mA 4.5 mA 6 mA 10 mA 15 mA Pulse width 250 μs250 μs 275 μs 300 μs 325 μs 350 μs Frequency 30 Hz 30 Hz 30 Hz 30 Hz 30Hz 30 Hz

After a set period of time, suitably around 1 minute, the buttonsdisable, ensuring that the settings cannot be adjusted accidentallyduring normal sleep. The requirement to press two buttons to switch thedevice on/off, opposed to just one, also prevents the user fromdisabling the device during normal sleep.

Accordingly, the present invention provides apparatus and a method fortreatment of snoring and/or sleep apnoea.

1. A portable, battery powered apparatus that generates an electricalsignal between electrodes to be applied to a patient for reduction orprevention of snoring or sleep apnoea, wherein the signal compriseselectrical stimulation at a frequency of 1-100 Hz; and the signalcomprises a stimulation free period of at least 0.5 seconds every 20seconds.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a pair of electrodes,and a power supply that generates an electrical signal between theelectrodes to stimulate a patient's tongue muscle (genioglossus) whenthe electrodes are attached to the patient, wherein the signal isperiodic and discontinuous so as to provide for continuous treatmentwithout fatigue of a patient's tongue muscles such that the treatmentfails to be effective.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, which provides forsaid continuous treatment over a period of 3 hours or more.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal is periodic and discontinuousin that it comprises a stimulation free period of at least 0.5 secondsevery 10 seconds.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal isdiscontinuous in that it comprises a stimulation free period of at least1 second every 10 seconds.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesignal has a frequency of 5-60 Hz.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe signal has a current of up to 20 mA.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the signal comprises pulses of duration up to 1 ms.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, comprising one or more controls for adjustment ofone or more signal parameters by the patient, selected from the signalfrequency, the signal current, the signal pulse width, the duration ofthe stimulation free period, and two or more or all such parameters. 10.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the signal frequency can be adjustedby the patient between three or more frequencies.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the signal can be adjusted by the patient between threeor more current settings.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesignal delivered by the power supply comprises two phases, a first phaseduring which its strength gradually increases and a second, later phaseduring which the signal remains essentially the same strength.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the duration of the first phase is fromabout 5 to about 30 minutes.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, whereinduring the first phase the signal current or pulse width increases. 15.A method of treatment of snoring or sleep apnoea, comprising deliveringto a patient a signal that stimulates the patient's tongue muscle,wherein the signal has a frequency of 1-100 Hz and is discontinuous inthat it comprises a stimulation free period of at least 0.5 secondsevery 20 seconds so as to provide for continuous treatment withoutfatigue of the patient's tongue muscle such that the treatment fails tobe effective.
 16. The method of claim 15, comprising delivering thesignal of the treatment over a period of 3 hours or more.
 17. The methodof claim 15, wherein the signal has a frequency of 5-60 Hz.
 18. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the signal has a current of up to 20 mA. 19.The method of claim 15, wherein the signal comprises a pulse of durationup to 1 ms.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the signal is deliveredusing a portable, battery powered apparatus that generates an electricalsignal between electrodes to be applied to a patient for reduction orprevention of snoring or sleep apnoea, wherein the signal compriseselectrical stimulation at a frequency of 1-100 Hz; and the signalcomprises a stimulation free period of at least 0.5 seconds every 20seconds.